Monitor Ridge Climbing Route
The Monitor Ridge Climbing Route is the primary route used by climbers during the summer to reach Mount St Helens Summit. It is a non-technical scramble, gaining 4,500 feet in 5 miles. Most climbers complete the round trip in 7 to 12 hours.
The climbing route used in the summer months begins at Climber's Bivouac south of the volcano. At 3,700 feet elevation, Climber's Bivouac has the highest vehicle access on Mount St. Helens. Start on Ptarmigan Trail #216A which climbs 1,100 feet in 2 1/4 miles to timberline at 4,800 feet elevation.
Above timberline, the route generally follows Monitor Ridge, climbing steeply through lava flows and loose pumice and ash. From timberline the route is marked with large wooden posts to about 7,000 feet elevation. The upper 1,300 feet of the route is unmarked and covered with loose, rock, pumice and ash. On your descent, take care to stay on route. A minor detour may put you far off route at timberline.
A dangerous cornice, an overhanging mass of snow formed by wind, grows through the winter on the leeward side of the wind exposed edge of the summit and crater. As it grows, the cornice can hang quite a distance over the edge, making it fragile and extremely dangerous to walk upon to get a view into the crater. Stay back at least 30 ft (9 m) from the visible edge. There may not be any flagging stakes or markers indicating the danger zone, so use extreme caution. The high summit drift may prevent you from having any view over the rim to the North. Always check current conditions before your climb.
- Climbing preparation, safety and route information
- NWAC: Avalanche Forecasts (West Slopes South), NWAC Avalanche Observations Map (West Slopes South)
- Current climbing conditions from Mount St. Helens Institute.
General Information
Climbing permits are required year-round. April 1 to October 31 permits must be obtained online at recreation.gov. November 1 to March 31 permits are free of charge and self-issued at the trailhead.
Climbing Permits are required year-round for each person and each day they will be traveling above 4800 ft elevation, on the slopes of Mount St. Helens.
- April 1- November 30: Climbing permits are sold online, in-advance, on a first-come, first-served basis on Recreation.gov. Permits are released in one month increments on the first day of the preceding month throughout the permit quota season, ending October 31. For example, April permits are released on March 1. All releases occur at 7:00 AM Pacific Time.
- April 1- May 14: Daily limit of 350 climbers.
- May 15- November 30: Daily limit of 110 climbers.
- December 1- March 31: No limit on number of climbers. Permits are free of charge and self-issued at the trailhead.
When Climber's Bivouac is closed due to snow, climbers must use the Worm Flows winter route.
- All climbers must be represented on a valid climbing permit for the date of climb and carry photo ID matching the name(s) on the permit.
- Pets are not advised on the climbing route due to volcanic rock and ash, which are hazardous to them.
- Groups are limited to 12 persons per permit.
- You must pack out all human waste and garbage.
$5/vehicle/day or valid Recreation Pass at Climber's Bivouac trailhead. (No fee/pass required if a valid climbing permit is displayed in the vehicle.)
Contact Name: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Headquarters
Contact Phone: 360-449-7800
Getting There
Elevation
8,365'
Directions
This route begins from Climbers Bivouac off Forest Road 81-830.
Parking
Parking and primitive camping available at the Climber's Bivouac trailhead.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Visitors must pack out all human waste from the climbing route. Please bring a "blue bag" or obtain one at the trailhead, if available.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are not available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
